When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when fixing your windows. The first step is to put on a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent glass shards from cutting you as you work.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is an easy fix for a damaged window. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from entering your home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that has cracked can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to pass through. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, such as an abrupt change in temperature it is crucial to have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are working effectively.

If your window is cracked but not broken, a quick solution is to apply clear tape to it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris, as well as keeping out the elements.

If the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's best to seek out a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window repair Bethnal Green breakage. They usually occur when a hard object is thrown at your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks are typically followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be dangerous if they come loose. The crack could compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time because of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window repair Ascot, and eventually can develop into complete breaks.

A pressure crack is a more severe crack however it can be fixed. This is most often an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be the result of low or high air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will offer a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you prefer to DIY epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear like it never had any cracks in it at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time for a windows repair. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture and can cause a number of problems within your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.

It is best to call an expert if water is visible or comes from the outside. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of mold and structural damage and should not be left untreated.

In many cases, a simple caulking layer is all that's needed to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll need to clean the area and get rid of any existing caulking.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater but can become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.

If windows are double-paned, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This helps to keep a gas barrier between the panes, which makes windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down over time, however, and let water get into the home.

Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indicator of leaks. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in the classic multi-pane windows. Since the larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII They went out of fashion. They're used only as decorative elements in some older homes.

Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports may be damaged by rain or window repair ascot wind and cause cracks to the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying elements.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that doesn't leave any residue. Then, take off any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After you've cut the intersections, tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.

If you have a more severe problem such as cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, it's likely to be better to replace the sash. In these instances it is essential to locate the right replacement window that matches the design and size of the existing one.

For a less expensive alternative you can install an attached grid window. These windows are made of a glass pane that has a series of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes and provide the same functions as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to get assistance. A sash that is broken ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, you should replace it immediately to ensure that the window is sealed.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing these is fairly easy and is possible in most double-hung windows. First, you'll need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. To do this push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash, and then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove the strip that separates the sash.

Once you've removed the sash, it's important to be sure to compare its metal tabs to the tabs on the new sash. If they're different, it may be difficult to place the new sash into its proper place and could affect the way that the sash functions. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.

You'll need to check your window frame as well, for any damage or rot. It's a good idea to check regularly, since wood will shrink and wear down over time. If you find any visible damage, it must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent the development of a larger issue.

If your window frames have deteriorated and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can refinish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.